Streams

PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES

This stream runs in parallel with the other streams as part of the APSRC. Registration for this stream allows full access to all Conference streams and side events.

This stream covers the following topics. An asterisk (*) means that topic is covered in an Industry Workshop.

• Silicon solar cells

• Thin-film solar cells (perovskite, III-V, organic, chalcogenide etc.) and tandem solar cells

• Module and system technology - novel concepts and applications

• Characterisation, modelling, and quality control of solar cells and modules

• PV Manufacturing *

• PV recycling/Circular economy *

• Space PV *

Photovoltaic devices play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of climate change on our planet. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), there is an urgent need to significantly increase the total installed capacity of photovoltaic cells to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement. In this regard, this stream will delve into the latest developments in solar cells (silicon, perovskite, organic, dye-sensitized, and other thin-film solar cells, as well as tandem cells) as well as in photovoltaic modules and systems. We will also explore advancements in the characterisation, modelling, and quality control of these devices. Additionally, we will dedicate workshops to recycling and circular economy practices, as well as the potential applications of photovoltaics in space and other markets. Our discussions will also include insights into the manufacturing of these devices. Join us to stay abreast of the latest innovations in photovoltaic technology and learn how these advancements can contribute to a sustainable future for our planet.

Stream Leader:
Ziv Hameiri, Professor, School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW

RENEWABLE ENERGY DEPLOYMENT & INTEGRATION

This stream runs in parallel with the other streams as part of the APSRC. Registration for this stream allows full access to all Conference streams and side events.

This stream covers the following topics. 

• Integration into electricity networks, as well as system-level integration

• Renewables market design, policy and regulation (trading and tariffs)

• Forecasting and resource assessment

• Field experience, performance, yield and reliability

• Battery performance and integration

• EVs and low emissions transport

• Off grid, fringe of grid, islands and remote regions

• Solar for Industrial Processes

• Solar Energy in the Water industry

• PV forecasting and firm power

• Vehicle Integrated PV

• Community batteries and community microgrid

• Agri-PV

This stream covers a wide range of topics, all related to the next steps beyond production of PV modules. It does not include solar energy in the Built environment, which is covered in the Solar Building and Solar Heating and Cooling stream. With solar PV being an integral part of Distributed Energy Resources, this stream includes other technologies such as batteries and even electric vehicles. It includes applications such as off-grid and remote regions, as well as agrivoltaics and industrial applications. It also includes the policy and regulatory framework within which all these operate, as well as the use of forecasting and resource assessment, which then leads into assessing performance and reliability.

Stream Leaders:
Rob Passey, Senior Research Fellow, School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering & Collaboration on Energy and Environmental Markets (UNSW) & Senior Consultant at ITP Renewables
Roger Dargaville, Assoc. Prof., Deputy Director Monash Energy Institute, Monash University

SOLAR BUILDINGS AND SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING

This stream runs in parallel with the other streams as part of the APSRC. Registration for this stream allows full access to all Conference streams and side events.

This stream covers the following topics.

• Solar Architecture

• Energy efficiency and demand management in buildings

• Building-integrated PV

• Cities and communities: planning, and implementation

• Solar for low and medium temperature heat including

  • heat pumps

  • solar hot water

  • low temperature heat storage

• Solar cooling

This stream will cover the use of solar energy to provide heating and cooling in the built environment, residential, commercial and industry sectors. It will include replacing fossil fuels and delivering zero emissions building through solar design and efficient and demand responsive appliances for heating, cooling and hot water as well as integrating solar technologies into cities, neighbourhoods and individual buildings.

Stream Leaders:
Ken Guthrie AM, Sustainable Energy Transformation; Prof. Robert Taylor, UNSW.

CONCENTRATING SOLAR THERMAL & PROCESS HEAT AND CHEMISTRY

This stream runs in parallel with the other streams as part of the APSRC. Registration for this stream allows full access to all Conference streams and side events.

This stream covers the following topics:

• Concentrating Solar Thermal Systems and Optics

• Thermal Energy Storage and System Integration

• Industrial Process Heat and Decarbonisation of Heavy Industry

• Solar Thermochemical Processes and Solar Fuels Production

• Hybrid High-Temperature Energy Systems and Integration Pathways

• Materials, Coatings, and Durability

• System Operation, Control and Maintenance

This stream focuses on high-temperature solar energy technologies for power generation, industrial process heat, chemical processing, and decarbonisation. It covers concentrating solar thermal (CST) systems — including solar towers, parabolic troughs, dishes, linear Fresnel, secondary concentrators, and beam-down systems — as well as electrically heated high-temperature systems. The stream provides a platform for researchers, industry professionals, and technology developers to present advances, discuss challenges, and explore future opportunities in high-temperature solar thermal technologies and related energy systems.

Stream Leader:
Dr Ye Wang, Research Fellow, CST, TES, and hybrid systems, ANU

Stream co-leaders
Dr Mahdiar Taheri, Research Fellow, materials scientist, ANU
Dr Alireza Rahbari, Associate Professor, industrial decarbonisation and sustainable energy systems, ANU